Reformed Baptist Church

God commands His people not to fear the Assyrians (v. 24). The reasons lie in God Himself: He is faithful, sovereign, and mighty to save. Believers in every age should take these truths to heart, especially in dark and difficult times when we are tempted to fear.

Assyria is but a tool in God's hand, "the rod of [His] anger" (v. 5). The text presents the power and domination of Assyria (I) in human perspective (Assyria's own perspective) and (II) in divine perspective. The sovereign God rules over all history and is working out all things according to His eternal purpose.

The people of Israel are against God, and God is against them in righteous wrath and judgment. The text concludes with three questions that "cry for an answer from all those who seek to flee God's avenging wrath" (Young). The answer if found in Jesus Christ, the sinner's only hiding-place. Flee to Him!

Jesus raises a little girl from the dead. In the account, His pity and power, even over death itself, is clearly displayed. As in the raising of Lazarus, it is an "open symbol of Christ's conquest of death and hell" (Warfield). Outline: (I) Entering into the narrative; (II) Drawing out lessons, general and specific (a sober lesson, a gospel lesson, a hopeful lesson).